Living in Hither Green

About Hither Green

Nestled between Blackheath and Bromley, Hither Green is a well-kept secret in South East London. Known for its rich history, leafy streets and welcoming atmosphere, the area has seen a steady rise in popularity. Also in thanks to its excellent transport links, good schools and affordable housing. 

Community groups play a vital role in preserving its character, restoring landmarks and fostering a neighbourly spirit. With a growing number of cafés, shops and cultural events, Hither Green offers a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.

Fact file

• St Margaret of Antioch church boasts one of London’s finest Gothic Revival interiors.
• Sir Francis Baring, founder of Barings Bank, helped develop the area after the railway arrived in 1856.
• The area has a strong community presence with active residents’ groups and annual festivals.

Architecture and property

Hither Green and Lee offer a mix of late Victorian and Edwardian bay-windowed terraces, pre-war semis and townhouses. Period conversions provide studio and purpose-built flats, while the Lee Manor Conservation Area features elegant pale brick homes with well-kept gardens. 

The railway divides the area, with the northern side toward Blackheath being particularly sought after. Historic homes like Manor House and The Cedars still stand, reflecting the area’s affluent past.

Going out

Local dining includes Italian favourite Luciano’s, Persian dishes at Caspian and Indian-Nepalese fusion at Panas Gurkha. While pubs are limited in Hither Green due to historic Quaker leases, The Station Hotel offers a cosy spot with live music. Nearby Lee boasts The Lord Northbrook, a lively pub with food, drinks and weekend entertainment. Cultural life thrives with the Hither Green Festival, while Greenwich’s theatres and museums are just a short journey away.

Local amenities

Music lovers head to Allodi Accordions on Lee High Road for new and secondhand instruments, plus expert repairs. Everyday shopping is easy with a large Sainsbury’s on Burnt Ash Road, a Lidl on the high street and Tesco Express stores in Grove Park and Hither Green. 

For fitness, Colfe’s Leisure Centre offers a wide range of sports facilities open to the public, while Anytime Fitness in Hither Green is Lewisham’s only 24-hour gym. Manor House Library adds to the community vibe with IT training and activities for under-fives.

Green spaces

Manor House Gardens is the area’s largest park, featuring a lake, playground, tennis courts and café. Mountsfield Park offers sports facilities, a bandstand and hosts Lewisham’s annual People’s Day. Edith Nesbit Gardens and Northbrook Park provide quieter retreats, with the latter offering open green space gifted to the community. These parks contribute to the area’s family-friendly and outdoorsy appeal.